“We will ride on to the Fishergate outlet and await you there,” said Lord Derwentwater. “We care not to parade ourselves as prisoners.” Colonel Churchill signified his assent, and the party separated. IX--IN WHAT MANNER THE HOSTAGES WERE RECEIVED BY GENERAL WILLS. |General Carpenter was not present when the Earl of Derwentwater and Colonel Mackintosh were brought as hostages to Wills, but Brigadier Munden, Colonels Pitt, Wynn, and Stanhope were with him at the time. The severe commander received the hostages very haughtily, and knitted his dark brows as he regarded them. Lord Derwentwater comported himself with great dignity, but Colonel Mackintosh could scarcely restrain his anger, especially when Wills asked: “Why have we not a Scotch nobleman? I required Lord Nithsdale or Lord Kenmure.” “They declined to come, general,” replied Churchill. “Methinks, the chief of the Clan Chattan might suffice,” said Mackintosh. “Had I refused to surrender, not a Highlander would have laid down his arms.” “And not one would have escaped,” rejoined Wills. “If you think you can stand against the king's troops go back to the town, and I will immediately attack you.” “If I take you at your word, I presume you will give General Forster a safe-conduct!” rejoined Mackintosh. Wills looked fiercely at him, but made no response. “If Colonel Mackintosh returns, I shall return, general,” said Lord Derwentwater, “and then the truce will be at an end. Attack us when you please, we shall be prepared for you.” “Is this your decision, my lord?” cried Mackintosh, joyfully. “I am glad of it.” “Hold!” exclaimed Wills, who did not desire that matters should take this turn. “Since the arrangement is partly concluded, I will not disturb it. By to-morrow these feelings of irritation will have calmed down, and then you will see that I have granted all I could.” “Nothing has been granted,” said Colonel Mackintosh. “We shall be worse off to-morrow than we are to-day. Come with me my lord. Let us die together at Preston.” “You cannot depart,” said Wills, authoritatively. “Tomorrow you may have an opportunity of proving your bravery. To-night you must remain here. Let them be taken to their quarters, colonel,” he added to Churchill. “I am sorry I cannot offer you better accommodation.” “Make no apologies, general,” said Lord Derwentwater, haughtily. “We know with whom we have to deal.” They were then taken to a farm-house, where Parson Woods and his men were quartered, and where very inconvenient lodgings were found for them. X.--BRIGADIER MACKINTOSH DISSUADES THE EARL OF WINTOUN FROM SALLYING FORTH. |No sooner did it become known that a capitulation had been agreed on than Lord Wintoun went to Brigadier Mackintosh, who so far from having retired to rest, was greatly on the alert, and entreated him to allow a strong body of his Highlanders to line the hedges on the Lancaster avenue, while he made a determined attempt at escape.